In a shocking turn of events, former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, who faces significant prison time for charges of child pornography and molestation, expressed his discomfort during a court session. While numerous victims bravely shared their harrowing experiences of abuse at his hands, Nassar had the audacity to complain about the emotional toll it took on him.
Addressing County Court Judge Linda Thompson, Nassar stated in a letter that hearing impact statements was detrimental to his mental health. It seems he found it challenging to endure the detailed accounts of the trauma inflicted upon his victims, labeling the courtroom proceedings a “media circus.”
Judge Thompson, unfazed by Nassar’s grievances, found his complaints both amusing and absurd. “This is quite entertaining,” she remarked while reading his letter aloud. She emphasized that his suggestion to stop listening to the victims was not only unreasonable but indicative of someone who has lost touch with reality. “I suspect you have watched too much television. You need professional help, but that’s not my role here,” she asserted.
Having pled guilty to molesting several young girls, Nassar’s plea agreement allowed over 100 victims to confront him directly or through representatives, including Olympic gold medalist Sarah Johnson. Her statement, conveyed by her attorney, was particularly scathing: “Nassar is not a doctor; he is a predator—a monster.”
In his lengthy letter, Nassar attempted to shift blame to Judge Thompson for the presence of the media during the hearings. “She wants me to sit next to her for all four days so that the cameras focus on her,” he wrote. To this, the judge rolled her eyes and clarified, “I didn’t invite the media; they chose to be here.”
She explained that having Nassar in the witness box was not for her own entertainment but to allow victims to face him directly without the discomfort of turning around. Nassar also mentioned that he had fainted twice prior to his federal sentencing, to which Judge Thompson responded that she had taken his health concerns into account when arranging the courtroom setup. “It would be cruel and unusual punishment to have you stand for four days,” she stated.
Judge Thompson’s unwavering commitment to giving the victims a voice exemplifies her dedication to justice. Nassar’s complaints about the proceedings being “too challenging” are overshadowed by the pain he has caused more than 100 girls and women. “Listening to them for a few days is nothing compared to the years of suffering you inflicted on them,” she remarked, highlighting the stark contrast between his so-called ordeal and the trauma endured by his victims.
In summary, Larry Nassar’s attempts to portray himself as a victim during the court proceedings were met with a fierce response from Judge Thompson, who prioritized the voices of the survivors. The judge’s firm stance underscores the importance of accountability in the face of heinous acts.
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